ALASSIO

History

The town of Alassio was originated in early medieval age from a small settlement of fishermen. It is said that its name derives from Adelasia, daughter of Emperor Otto the Great, who fled with his beloved Aleramo in these places. In the Middle Ages it was dependency of the Benedictine monastery of Gallinara island, which in 1303 sold his rights to the town of Albenga.

To Visit

Among the various Churches Alassio, the most important and beautiful place to visit is the parish church of St. Ambrose, the fifteenth century, its baroque interior is decorated with works of great Ligurian painters such as De Ferrari and Benso. The bell tower and the porch in black stone are masterpieces of local architecture. To the shopping spree, take a stroll in the typical Ligurian Carruggio and the adjacent promenade with many restaurants and bars. The famous WALL, born almost fifty years ago by the idea of Mario Berrino, owner of Cafe Roma, where ceramic tiles are placed with the names of famous people who frequented the restaurant. Hemingway was one of the first with the Quartet Cetra. Every summer is the election of Miss Muretto, the most important event together with the International Sailing Championship, the Monte-Carlo - Alassio Cycling Championship and the Italian tennis- courts for veterans. Among the overseas architecture buildings are typical the English library and the Anglican Church. Built to defend the coast, the sixteenth-century bastion is still well-preserved near the port and the small chapel dedicated to those lost at sea. Do not forget the scenic area overlooking the beautiful bay full of paths but also of religious buildings such as the Church of Santa Croce and the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Guardia in 1200 built on the ruins of a medieval castle.

BACK

ALBENGA

History

Founded 2500 years ago on a hill beside the river Centa with the name of Albium Ingaunum, it was the capital of Liguria Ingauni who resisted tenaciously to the Roman conquest, with a territory that stretched from San Remo to Finale. It was important Roman Municipium and in the ninth centuries it was an important bishopric and diocese as it is today. From that period are in fact the construction of the church and the Baptistery. As a free city, it participated in the First Crusade in the eleventh century, and there began its wealth.

To Visit

The historical center on typically Roman map, is dated almost in the Middle Ages. Monuments to visit are the paleo-Christian baptistery of the fifth century, it has a mosaic dedicated to the Trinity and the Apostles built, the only Byzantine-style remained in northern Italy except those from Ravenna. The beautiful Roman - Gothic cathedral St. Michael and its bell tower of the fourteenth century. In the nearby Piazza dei Leoni are historical buildings like the palace Costa Del Carretto and the tower Costa. The many towers in the center from the XII - XIV, are the symbol of the city. The historical treasures of Albenga are kept in some fine museums: the Old Town Hall hosts the Museum of Albenga, which preserves relics of Roman and medieval archeology the Roman The Naval Museum located in the Palace Peloso Cipolla, where are the artifacts recovered from the wreck of the oldest known Roman cargo ship sank so far in 180 BC along the coast of Albenga. The prehistoric Museum collects artifacts from the caves of Val Pennavaira. The Diocesan Museum in Bishop's Palace with early medieval sculptures, frescoes. To the north-east is still visible Pontelungo, Romanesque, which marks the old course of the river Centa.

BACK

ANDORA

History

Andora is a very ancient town, it is said that it was probably founded by the Phoenicians from Asia Minor several centuries BC as well as Genoa and Sanremo. It was later inhabited by Romans, who built the road to Provence, and a bridge over the river Merula. Over the centuries, and particularly in the Middle Ages the inhabitants settled in the hills, on the heights of the Castle, the residence of the Marquis of Clavesana, which was later sold to Genoa in 1252. Today, Andora, the last coastal town west of the Riviera delle Palme, living mainly on the sea with its beach and its location right in the middle of the so-called Whale Sanctuary home of cetaceans. The port with 600 berths, has greatly increased tourist activity in the town.

To Visit

On the hill the rests of the Castle of Clavesana, which is accessed through the monumental stone gate tower, are still important examples of the history of Andora, and the nearby Church of St. James and St. Philip, of late - Romanesque, built entirely of stone from Capo di Mele. Going a little further down, we find the fountain and the bridge in ten arches of the medieval era. The Val Merula, which takes its name from the river, up from Andora to the tops of the Maritimes Alps and among chestnut trees, olive groves, orchards hides small typical villages of Liguria, as Testico and Stellanello, villages rich of history whose lands were witnesses of ancient battles between the Republic of Genoa and the Duchy of Savoy.

BACK

CERIALE

History

The name "CERIALE" has several etymologies, the most reliable is that which defines the location as a store of grain (cereals) for the subsistence of the Roman soldiers, or as an important market for grain produced by local farmers. There is also the possibility that the name derives from that of a Roman consul named Anicius Cerialis or Petilius Cerialis, commander of a garrison of Roman soldiers, quartered in the area. The story of CERIALE assume a role in the medieval period when it follows the fortunes of Albenga, which forms the eastern rampart with Borghetto. The land of Ceriale, with its districts, follows the political events in the landscape of power between bishop and count and the Genoese republic. The most significant episode in the history of Ceriale is the invasion operated by the Barbary pirates in July 2, 1637: half the population was deported in the "baths " Bona and Algiers and the ransom demanded hardest sacrifices. Many families of great wealth were financial ruined for the recovery of their loved ones. In this action, the people of Ceriale were helped very less by the public hand but a lot by private charity.

To Visit

In addition to the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist and Eugene of Romanesque style, recently renovated, the sixteenth-century bastion, erected on the beach in defense of attacks by Barbary pirates who at that time ravaged the coasts of Liguria. The nearby village of Peagna, which still retains the characteristics of typical Ligurian agglomeration with the ruins of the ancient village of Capriolo and the church with medieval frescoes of the '400. Not far the stream Torsero flows through one of the richest fossil areas in Italy, as a protected natural park. For the fun for all, not to lose is the water park "LE CARAVELLE”

BACK

FINALE LIGURE

History

There are three villages that constitute the only town of Finale: Final Pia, Final Borgo, Final Marina. Final Pia on the sea, is a village that surrounds the Benedictine Abbey of Santa Maria Pia. You can find villas whose architecture dates back to the sixteenth century. Even Final Marina, on the sea, Genoese outpost of 1365, became Spanish in the seventeenth century. On the ample beaches you can play beach volleyball. Final Borgo, Finarii Burgus was founded in late 1100 by the Marquis of Carretto, from the top half of the '400 till the '700 was the capital of the marquis. The walls, palaces and churches make it one of the most beautiful old towns of Savona and cast him among the "most beautiful villages in Italy”.

To Visit

Do not miss the Final Borgo elegant black stone portals of Port Royal, for which the Village is nominated, with late Gothic octagonal bell tower of San Biagio. The convent of Santa Caterina from 1359, with the cloisters of the late fifteenth century, the seat of the Civico Museo from Finale, where important events are held. Then the square of the Court with the same named Palace from the '400 and the Portal Testa at the other end of the village. Among the narrow streets of the Village you can find shops that work the ceramics, glass, wood, iron, and the "Stone of the Finale. " High, above the port Mezzalana, there is the Castel San Giovanni, characteristic for its night lighting and the tours with guides in the summer. Going above Final Borgo, we find Perti, with its two churches: St. Eusebius with the beautiful bell tower, and Our Lady of Loreto, from the end of the fifteenth century. For wine lovers, a visit to Calice Ligure, Rialto, Feglino and the heights of Le Manie where you can find the Lumassina, Fermentino, Nostralino. However, for athletes, the famous rock climbing paradise for climbers from all over Europe.

BACK

LAIGUEGLIA

History

An ancient fishing village in Roman times Aquilia, with his nearby hot springs, at the end of the Middle Ages belonged to Andora. Between 1600 and 1700 had a lot of prosperity for coral fishing and shipping business until to get to create a sales network throughout the Mediterranean, engaging all people and resources. With the French occupation of the Riviera, Laigueglia lost its importance in the shipping activity. Today it is a very popular tourist destination, with its typical Ligurian village, enriched by beautiful buildings and the bastion of defense from the sixteenth.

To Visit

The church of St. Matthew, from ‘700, is one of the most beautiful in the West, with its spectacular façade is rich in its inside with many paintings from the Genoese school. The crosses of the two bell towers, facing northwest and south-west, are reminders of its seafaring tradition, as to protect the men of the sea by the storms and storm surges. Of the three bastions that protected the village from the barbarian fleet, the only one left is the Bulwark. In memory of Saracen attacks each year in the summer there is a historical costume recall. Other important events to remember are the Trofeo Laigueglia, the well-known cycling race, the fair of St. Matthew and June 24, St. John is celebrated with a bonfire on the pier and the very suggestive "launch" of thousands of lights at sea.

BACK

NOLI

History

Noli is remembered in history as the fifth of the Maritime Republics: Even if you remember the first four maritime republics there were in fact more. This small but beautiful city, crowned by steep mountain Ursino, had six centuries of maritime glory and political independence, from 1202 to 1797. Under the rule of the Marquis of Carretto, the Noli people took part in the First Crusade in 1097, it was then that began their autonomy. Antonio da Noli, in 1461, sailed down to the Atlantic and discovered the islands of Cape Verde.

To Visit

Noli, whose village is surrounded by three walls with the remains of the castle of the eleventh century, full of stone arches and towers (from the 72 tower-houses that stand out in the twelfth century, only eight, including the municipal tower 33 meters high are left). The way Columbus is the urban axis of the city, where you can find beautiful houses from the thirteenth and fourteenth century. The Tower of Song in the square Morando, a trapezoidal shape, for a view of the castle and the walls coming down the hill. The Bacini Murati are characteristic, fine ceramics of Byzantine and Islamic ornamentation on the facades, the apses, sides, steeples and towers of churches and palaces. Still unsure what these decorations means, perhaps ex-voto, or trophies of war, or just embellishments to the gray walls of buildings. Can be found in the church of San Paragorio, in the Santa Margherita, at Perti in the church of St. Eusebius, at Final Borgo San Biagio, and at Gorra in the church of San Bartolomeo. The village overlooks the beach with a nice arcade-like Genoese "Ramp" Loading, where every morning you can buy fresh fish sold by fishermen just returned from the sea.

BACK

PIETRA LIGURE

History

The town of Pietra Ligure takes its name from a limestone rock that rises from the sea, on which a fort was built to defend the invasions of the Middle Ages. It was a fief of the bishops of Albenga and from 1385 became an independent municipality under the jurisdiction of Genoa. Its long beaches have favored the creation of shipbuilding and maritime trade.

To Visit

Characteristic are the alleys of the Borgo Vecchio, the narrow and maze alleys, built in medieval times to disorient the enemy and easier to defend. The new village is Renaissance. The Navy deployed between the waterfront and the shipyard is from the nineteenth century. Turning to the center you can see beautiful medieval buildings and from the eighteenth century, the most important of which is maybe the Palace Leale-Franchelli with beautiful frescoed halls, a rich library and a rich collection of porcelain and prints. Two beautiful churches are the Annunciation, with the Madonna del Rosario by Anton Maria Maragliano, and the parish of St. Nicholas of Bari, a great eighteenth-century church with two bell towers, rich in works of art. Loved by people of Pietra is the "bronze of St. Nicholas, " a bell that in 1525, rang to announce the end of a terrible pestilence: The tower is located on the Oratorio dei Bianchi

BACK

TOIRANO

History

Toirano is placed just in the center of Val Varatela, at the confluence of the rivers Barescione and Varatella. You can almost say that it is the place where the oldest Ligurians lived in the history or in the earliest history indeed. The famous prehistoric caves Toirano are a true spectacle of nature. Its origin comes from the fort that blocked the valley in the Byzantine-Lombard period.

To Visit

Undoubtedly the famous caves, which are among the ten most beautiful in Italy, deserve special attention. There are more than 1280 meters of underground cavities created by water erosion in the limestone, the most famous is the cave of Basura, the basura who were witches, it is said, once lived in the underground cavities and communicated with hell . While visiting Basura you cross along the way the Bears cemetery, rich in remains from the Ursus Spaeleus (cave bear), then we find the cave of Saint Lucia, patroness of the eyes, attached to the previous one by an artificial corridor, where you can see a real triumph of nature, with stunning stalactites and stalagmites and a sanctuary spaces carved into the rock overlooking the valley, the landscape is very impressive. But do not forget to take a walk in the ancient medieval village, with well-preserved city walls, tall buildings, lanes and arcades with smaller shops, it seems as if time has stopped. Also in the old town is the seventeenth century church of San Martino and the bell tower of the fourteenth century, the only remains of the towers of the walls. They deserve to be seen also the bishop's palace and the palace of the Marquis Del Carretto. The Ethnographic Museum of the Val Varatella where you can see more than 1000 items that document the activities and rural crafts.

BACK

VARIGOTTI

History

Varicottis was a navy civitas destroyed in 643 by Rotar, king of the Lombards, but the actual village was born in the sixteenth century. The territory lies between the promontory of Capo Noli and the one of Capra Zoppa within the plateau of Manie. Karst plateau full of caves carved by streams. Spot wild coast with high and steep, authentic Roman bridges and farmers and seamen villages full of art: here prehistoric Ligurian, Romans, Byzantines, Lombards, feudal lords and marquis, Spanish and Genoese went by.

To Visit

The beach of Malpasso, this stretch of uninhabited coastline is the most sought after destination by water enthusiasts. La Baia dei Saraceni is closed to the west by the steep promontory of Punta Crena, with a tower and the ruins of one of the castles of the marquis Del Carretto, while upstream the Aurelia a path among olive trees and pine trees leading to the medieval church Old San Lorenzo. To the west of Punta Crena, the beautiful village of Varigotti, whose streets inspired a few stories of Hemingway, of Pavese and Gina Lagorio.

BACK

VILLANOVA D'ALBENGA

History

Founded by Albenga in 1250, it was the first town built with a system of ville nove in defense of the municipality. Even today the walls with its ten towers are perfectly preserved. It was part of the town of Albenga until the end of 700 and then became independent. Its main activity for which it is also known, is the cultivation of flowers. Villanova is also place for an international airport, which connects the Riviera to Rome, to the islands of the Mediterranean and other European cities.

To Visit

The medieval town definitely deserves a walk on the inside, perfectly preserved, it brings us back in history. From the ancient Albenga villa nova remains the walls and even the well-cover and the old well-chain. The chapel retains its medieval frescoes. The two churches to visit are: Santa Maria del Soccorso, from the Renaissance, is one of the few round churches in Italy and Santo Stefano in Cavatorio, which takes its name from a now vanished village with its Romanesque bell tower of the twelfth century . Outside the city, not far from the airport, take a side trip to the races visiting the Hippodrome “dei fiori”.

BACK